What social distancing means for dating

Those who have been on a lengthy quest to find Mr. or Ms. Right without success probably thought it was hard enough already.

But now that they're being forced indoors due to the coronavirus, they find their possibilities even more limited.

So what are they to do?

If you're already dating someone, talking on the phone and exchanging texts can certainly get old after a while. But no one says you can't have ANY in-person contact.

You could arrange to have dinner at either person's house. Maybe the host can cook, and next time you meet at the other's place. Or, you could just spring for delivery and cap off the night with a good movie.

There's also the option of taking a walk around the neighborhood (so long as you practice social distancing from others).

So, that works for those who've recently begun dating, but what about people whose little black book is, well, empty?

That's easy: They can take to online dating sites.

Even if they've never tried meeting someone online, they really have nothing to lose. And given that they have to be home anyway, now's as good a time as any.

Because of the effort to contain the spread of coronavirus, all our favorite haunts for meeting potential partners -- from movie theaters and restaurants to amusement parks and parties -- are off limits. So we have no choice but to improvise.

Granted, people may be resistant to meeting others for fear of contracting the virus. Remember, carriers may not begin to notice actual symptoms for days.

If that's the case -- and you feel the person is worth it -- you'll just have to sit tight until this passes. Or, you can move on to someone else who catches your eye.

It's an unprecedented time. We're working from home, being told to stand six feet away from people, and are having a difficult time tracking down toilet paper.

But rest assured that the person you're meant to be with will come into your life at the right time. This epidemic doesn't change that.

Imagine how many parties, celebrations, and other social functions -- many of them likely postponed -- will go down once COVID19 is in the rear view mirror. You may just stumble upon your future significant other there.

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